Are You My Mentor? What to Look for in a Role Model!

Welcome to the wonderful world of adulthood where we often find ourselves asking the age-old question, "Are you my mentor?"

Just like the baby bird in P.D. Eastman's beloved children's book, "Are You My Mother?", we're constantly on the hunt for someone to guide and shape us into the best version of ourselves. Especially when it comes to our careers.

But how do we know if the person we admire and look up to is truly a suitable role model?

It can be hard to tell. At best, an ill-suited mentor can be a waste of both of your time. At worst, you can take some bad advice and take steps backward on your journey to Career Success. And unlike the baby bird, we can’t run around to every human being we meet shouting Are you my mentor?” and Are YOU my mentor?”

That's what I'm here to cover today! Let's determine if the person you've set your sights on is a wise and nurturing figure in your career or just a misleading decoy.

So, grab your binoculars, and let's start searching for the perfect mentor!

What is a mentor?

Being a mentor is all about guiding individuals toward achieving their personal and professional goals. A mentor is an expert in their particular field, and they're more than happy to share their expertise with their lucky mentee.

Think of a mentor as a trusty map, offering advice, support, and encouragement to help navigate the twists and turns of your Career Success journey. Mentors are like fairy godmothers, helping individuals grow, both professionally and personally, by providing a sounding board for their ideas, experiences, and questions.

Mentorship can be structured or informal. Mentorship can look like a chat over a cup of coffee or planned weekly meetings with an agenda. In a structured mentorship, there's a roadmap for the relationship, with set goals and expectations.

Informal mentorship, on the other hand, is a more relaxed, organic, and evolving relationship. With this, the mentor and mentee build trust and rapport over time.

Regardless of the type of mentorship, it requires a significant time commitment and dedication from both the mentor and mentee. The mentor must be willing to invest their time and energy in helping the mentee grow. While the mentee must be willing to listen, learn, and put in the effort to achieve their goals.

A successful mentorship relationship can lead to positive and long-lasting change, helping individuals achieve their full potential.

When first getting to know a mentor, it's perfectly okay to ask them the following questions:

• Can you tell me about your background and experiences in the field?
• What are your expectations for our mentorship relationship?
• What are your goals for our meetings, and how often would you like to meet?
• How can I best prepare for our meetings and make the most of our time together?
• Are there any specific areas that you feel particularly knowledgeable or passionate about, that you would like to focus on in our mentorship?
• Are you my mentor? Do you think we make a good fit?

What to look for in a good mentor

Industry experience and connections

A mentor with industry experience is like having your own personal GPS for your career. With their practical understanding of the industry and its challenges, they can guide you and make sure you avoid any roadblocks along the way. They've been there, done that.

Not only will they provide you with a roadmap for success, but they'll also keep you up to date on all the latest trends, best practices and opportunities in the field.

Your mentor can also open doors for you by introducing you to their own network of industry insiders. This can be especially helpful if you're just starting out in your career and looking to gain experience or considering a Career Change into a new industry.

Good communication skills

A mentor should be able to communicate with the finesse and clarity of a TV meteorologist. They should be able to take complex concepts and simplify them for even the most tech-challenged individuals. And when it comes to giving advice, it should be clear and actionable.

Not only is this vital for you to understand each other, but it also helps you refine your own communication skills. If you show up and feel overwhelmed by industry jargon, and fast-paced shorthand, maybe this mentor isn't for you.

You should find someone who you understand, and who values clear and thoughtful feedback. They shouldn’t leave you wondering are you my mentor?” because that question should have been asked and answered clearly. 

Compatible availability

Having a mentor who is both approachable and available is essential for a successful mentorship relationship. This means having compatible schedules so that you're able to connect and make the most of your time together.

A mentor who's dedicated to helping you grow and develop in your career should be willing to invest their time and energy into your journey, just like a personal trainer is committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals.

If you're scared to reach out, even after a few meetings together, then they may not be the one for you. They should be there to lend a listening ear and offer advice when you need it the most. While you can’t expect them to be available 24/7, you can set your expectations early on. Whatever they may be, it is both of your responsibilities to adhere to those expectations throughout your relationship.

Genuine interest

A good mentor doesn't have you questioning "Are you my mentor?" They should have a genuine interest in your growth and development and be motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on someone else's life: YOUR life!

A mentor who invested in your Career Success will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. Whether that means offering encouragement, providing valuable resources, or being a sounding board for your ideas, their actions will prove to you that they're here for you.

A mentor who truly cares about your growth and development will show enthusiastic support and will be dedicated to helping you overcome any obstacles you encounter. They'll be your biggest cheerleader and your best resource, and will help you reach new heights in your career and personal life!

Empathy and objectivity

Being a mentor is a delicate balancing act between offering objective advice and being empathetic to your experiences. A good mentor should be able to provide an outside perspective and give constructive feedback.

At the same time, they should also be able to understand your point of view and offer support and guidance that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Think of a mentor as a chameleon. They should be able to adapt their mentorship style to fit your needs and be able to switch gears from a tough love approach to a supportive and nurturing one, depending on the situation. A mentor who is able to strike this balance will help you grow and develop in a way that is both effective and supportive.

Stop asking Are you my mentor?” and find one today!

A good mentor is a combination of many qualities including experience, approachability, genuine interest in their mentee's success, and the ability to offer both objective advice and tailored support.

Mentorship can be a valuable and transformative experience for both of you. And having the right mentor can make all the difference in helping you grow and succeed in your career.

Whether you're looking for a mentor for yourself or looking to become a mentor to someone else, it's important to consider these qualities and find someone who aligns with your goals and needs. Our Career Coaches can stand in as a mentor, or you can check out our discussion forums (coming soon!) to find one yourself.

No matter what, the Uvaro community is filled with tons of potential connections waiting to be made. Check out our Career Success Catalog for more details.